NASA and the U.S. Department of Energy select companies to develop nuclear fission reactors for permanent bases on the Moon.

Written by Fabio Lucas Carvalho

Published on 16/04/2026 at 02:20

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The development of compact reactors is the fundamental pillar for enabling human survival in places where solar energy is insufficient or nonexistent. By mastering fission technology on lunar soil, the United States establishes the logistical foundation necessary to transform the Moon into a springboard for the exploration of Mars and deep space.

The United States Department of Energy and NASA are advancing the development of technologies to establish nuclear energy in space, with an initial focus on the lunar surface.

The project aims to create a medium-sized fission power system capable of providing constant electricity to sustain human presence and prolonged scientific operations on the natural satellite.

Technical specifications of the nuclear energy project in space

The initiative focuses on the design of a 40-kilowatt fission reactor, which is expected to operate for at least ten years on lunar soil. This nuclear energy in space system is considered essential due to the extreme conditions on the Moon, where nights last about 14 Earth days and temperatures drop drastically.

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Safety and feasibility of the lunar fission system

Safety is a central priority in the development of the reactor, which will use low-enriched, high-performance uranium fuel.

The design anticipates that the reactor will be activated only when it reaches its final destination, eliminating significant radiological risks during launch from Earth. The implementation of nuclear energy in space follows strict guidelines to prevent contamination of the lunar environment and ensure the integrity of astronauts.

Engineers are working on efficient cooling mechanisms and autonomous control systems to manage fission without constant human intervention. The reactor’s structure must withstand the vacuum of space and the impact of micrometeoroids, maintaining operational stability for a decade.

This technological advancement in nuclear energy in space will serve as a crucial test for future crewed missions to Mars, where energy demands will be even greater.

Timeline and next steps for lunar exploration

The initial phase of concept projects has already been completed, allowing the NASA and the Department of Energy to evaluate the most viable proposals for the next stage. The plan calls for the launch of a demonstration system to the Moon by the end of this decade, integrating the Artemis program of space exploration. The consolidation of nuclear energy in space will enable space agencies to establish permanent bases and expand the frontier of human presence in the solar system.

Beyond the Moon, the success of this medium-sized reactor will pave the way for more powerful thermal and electric nuclear propulsion systems. These technologies could significantly reduce travel time to other planets and increase the payload of spacecraft.

The transition to nuclear energy in space represents a milestone in the shift from episodic exploration to sustainable occupation of extraterrestrial environments.

With information from Interesting Engineering

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NASA and the U.S. Department of Energy select companies to develop nuclear fission reactors for permanent bases on the Moon.

Technical specifications of the nuclear energy project in space

Safety and feasibility of the lunar fission system

Timeline and next steps for lunar exploration

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